Supplier Quality Engineer Help ensure every part is ready before it reaches the production floor. Bring your inspection and supplier quality experience to a hands-on role supporting Steel & O’Brien’s data center cooling manufacturing. You’ll work with suppliers and internal teams to catch issues early, protect product traceability, resolve quality concerns, and improve supplier performance. About the role As an OEM / Supplier Quality Engineer, you’ll inspect purchased stainless-steel components and fabricated or welded assemblies, support supplier quality improvements, and help confirm that products meet drawings, specifications, purchase order requirements, and customer expectations. You’ll partner with Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Receiving, Operations, and suppliers. This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports. It reports to the Quality Manager / Director of Quality and includes travel to OEM and supplier locations as business needs require. What you’ll do - Perform and document source, first article, receiving, and final acceptance inspections as assigned.
- Read drawings, tolerances, GD&T, specifications, and approved revisions. Check dimensions, workmanship, fit, finish, identification, and packaging against acceptance criteria.
- Use calibrated calipers, micrometers, height gauges, thread gauges, and other appropriate equipment. Record actual results and confirm equipment calibration status before use.
- Review material test reports, certificates of conformance, heat and lot traceability, inspection records, and required weld or test documentation.
- Develop risk-based inspection plans, checklists, sampling requirements, and acceptance criteria with Engineering and Quality approval. Support first article and new supplier qualification activities.
- Identify, document, and contain nonconforming product. Initiate quality holds, coordinate disposition through the authorized review process, and escalate critical risks before release or shipment.
- Issue supplier corrective action requests and lead root cause analysis, containment, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and effectiveness checks using methods such as 8D and 5 Why.
- Assess supplier processes and quality systems; monitor corrective action closure, recurring defects, rejection trends, and supplier performance. Partner with Purchasing on improvement and escalation plans.
- Support supplier changes, new product launches, and quality requirements communicated through purchasing documents. Maintain controlled inspection records and support internal, customer, and supplier audits.
- Coordinate pressure, leak, functional, or other required testing with qualified personnel, and verify test records against approved requirements. Perform specialized inspections only when trained and authorized.
- Work with suppliers and Engineering to resolve dimensional, weld, finish, cleanliness, and assembly concerns before shipment or use. Verify approved rework and reinspection.
- Track supplier defects, rejection rates, corrective action aging, repeat issues, and inspection results. Report trends, risks, and improvement priorities to Quality leadership.
- Support 5S, Lean, Kaizen, standard work, and defect prevention. Perform other related duties as assigned.
What you’ll bring - A bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, quality, or a related technical field is preferred. An equivalent combination of technical education and relevant experience may be considered.
- Three to five years of experience in supplier quality, quality engineering, or technical inspection in manufacturing.
- Experience with stainless-steel fabrication, welding, tubing, or machined components is preferred.
- Ability to interpret drawings and tolerances, select inspection methods, use precision measurement tools, and prepare accurate inspection reports.
- Experience with supplier nonconformances, root cause analysis, corrective actions, material traceability, and supplier performance improvement.
- Working knowledge of quality management systems, document control, internal auditing, and ISO 9001 concepts.
- Familiarity with FMEA, control plans, measurement system analysis, and statistical quality tools is preferred.
- ASQ quality or inspection certification, ISO auditor training, or Lean / Six Sigma training is preferred. Welding inspection credentials are preferred when applicable; specialized inspections require appropriate training and authorization.
Skills that will help you succeed - Sound inspection decisions based on documented requirements and objective evidence.
- Strong drawing interpretation, precision measurement, and inspection documentation.
- Effective supplier communication, audit follow-up, root cause analysis, and corrective action verification.
- Good judgment in prioritizing quality risks, communicating concerns, and escalating issues promptly.
- Working proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and electronic quality records. Business Central experience is preferred.
How you’ll contribute to our culture Communicate clearly and respectfully with coworkers and suppliers, raise concerns promptly, and follow through on commitments. Support practical problem-solving, standard work, and continuous improvement. Protect confidential information and demonstrate Steel & O’Brien’s values: Integrity, Trust, Creativity and Courage, Teamwork, and Excellence. Work environment and travel You’ll work in manufacturing, warehouse, office, and supplier environments, which may include production noise and varying temperatures. Follow site safety requirements and wear required personal protective equipment. The role involves standing, walking, bending, reaching, handling inspection tools, and computer work. Use assistance or lifting equipment for materials beyond safe handling limits. Travel to supplier and OEM locations, including overnight stays, is required as business needs dictate. Additional hours may be needed to support inspections, launches, or urgent quality issues. Salary Range: $ 85-115K, 5% annual bonus. Attendance Requirements: Regular, consistent attendance and timely communication of absences are required in accordance with company policy and applicable approved leave or accommodations. Accommodations: Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees or applicants who need an accommodation should contact Human Resources to discuss their needs. Accommodations requested:
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